Review: Cinema premier of Stella

Jeremy Welch reviews Stella, the new award-winning film which is set in Galloway. It’s 1937 and the storm clouds are darkening over Europe as war seems imminent.  Stella, played by Oli Fyne, tells the story of her plight as a penniless Oxford graduate of Jewish descent accepting a job to tutor the children of Lord…

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Galloway registers to become Scotland’s next National Park

Campaigners in Galloway hope the area could become Scotland’s next National Park. Scottish Government Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater has unveiled a public consultation on the criteria to decide whether an area could become a National Park. And within minutes of the announcement the Galloway National Park Association registered the region’s interest. Locals said the area…

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Don’t miss the SSDA Annual Conference

THE South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) is the strategic destination management and marketing organisation for the South of Scotland, encompassing Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. After a successful 2022 conference, the SSDA looks forward to welcoming you all back again as we host our second annual conference, taking place at Peebles Hydro…

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Galloway Country Fair: performing pigs and leaping sheep

THE Galloway Country Fair will include “performing pigs, fence leaping sheep, beautiful birds of prey, and dogs of all kinds”, according to its organisers. Events planned for 20 and 21 August at Drumlanrig Castle include the “Lamb National”, which involves a small flock of Herdwick sheep – complete with teddy bear jockeys, with names such…

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Tourism bookings hit by cost-of-living crisis

HALF of Scottish tourism businesses are reporting fewer bookings and lower spending by customers, according to a new surey. The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) found 50% of members have fewer bookings between June and August this year than during the same period in 2019. The same proportion reported a fall in consumer spending this year…

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Julie Hollis’ ‘Still Alive’ exhibition opens tomorrow

KIRKCUDBRIGHT painter Julie Hollis charts the emotional rollercoaster of undergoing breast cancer treatment during the covid pandemic – from diagnosis to all clear – in a new exhibition that opens tomorrow. “Still Alive” runs until 18 June at Kirkcudbright’s Made on Cloud 9 gallery. Her exhibition features 12 works using mixed media. Hollis said: “The…

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World-electronica trio Odia release debut album Prize Fighter

Prize Fighter is the progressive debut album from Celtic, World and electronica music trio Odia, set for release on Friday 3 June. The band’s members hail from Scotland, France and Malaysia, bringing together a rich tapestry of musical influences. Irvine drummer and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland tutor Stuart Spence formed the band with French violinist…

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First Spring Flingers launch programme for 20th year

Artists and makers from the first Spring Fling got together to launch the programme for the 20th annual open studios weekend. The event, set up in the aftermath of the foot and mouth epidemic, now hopes to make a significant contribution in the drive to rebuild after the COVID pandemic. Spring Fling, which takes place…

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Stranraer Oyster Festival confirms 2022 return

Stranraer Oyster Festival, one of Scotland’s biggest food festivals, is set for a sensational return later this year. Organiser Stranraer Development Trust confirming the event will take place from 2-4 September, with support through EventScotland’s National Funding Programme and from Dumfries and Galloway Council. The community-run festival was last held in 2019 when it attracted…

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